Siena tours and tickets
Siena is a small city with a few timed tickets. The Torre del Mangia and the cathedral complex are the two to buy ahead, a week or more in summer. The Palio races on 2 July and 16 August need a room months ahead and a seat from official sellers. San Gimignano, Chianti and the Val d'Orcia are easy day trips with a car or tour.
Book these first
- A room for the Palio
- 6 to 12 months ahead for 2 July or 16 August. Rooms in and near the walls sell out first, and rates rise sharply. Many visitors stay in Florence or the countryside instead.
- Torre del Mangia and the cathedral complex
- a few days ahead, a week or more in summer. Both use timed entry with limited numbers, and the tower closes in bad weather, so keep a day free.
- A seat for the Palio
- months ahead, through official sellers. Stands and balconies on the Campo are sold in advance. The center of the square is free to stand in but fills from early afternoon.
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Churches and palaces
Siena Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library
A black and white striped cathedral with an inlaid marble floor, a pulpit by Nicola Pisano and a library of painted manuscripts. A combined pass covers the cathedral, the library, the museum and the baptistery.
Which to pick. Buy the combined pass for the whole complex, and go in the morning. Check which areas are open, as the floor is covered at times.
A few days ahead in seasonVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMuseo dell'Opera and the Facciatone
A museum in the unfinished nave with Duccio's Maestà, and a climb to a panoramic terrace on the unfinished facade. It is part of the cathedral pass.
Which to pick. Climb the Facciatone for the view. Go on a clear day, and check the number of visitors allowed on the terrace.
A few days ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBasilica of San Domenico
A large brick church with a relic of St Catherine of Siena and frescoes, near the Fontebranda spring. It's quiet and free.
Which to pick. Visit in the afternoon when other crowds are in the center. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
Not neededTours and tickets on Viator
Monuments and landmarks
Torre del Mangia
A medieval tower on the Piazza del Campo with 400 steps and a panoramic view. Entry is limited, and queues form in summer.
Which to pick. Book a timed slot, and go first thing or at sunset. It's a steep climb on narrow stairs.
A day or two ahead, a week in summerVisitor guideTours and tickets on ViatorPalazzo Pubblico and the Museo Civico
The town hall, with frescoes by Lorenzetti on good and bad government and Simone Martini's Maestà. Tickets are sold at the entrance.
Which to pick. Buy a combined ticket with the tower. Allow an hour, and look at the Lorenzetti frescoes first.
Not neededTours and tickets on ViatorSanta Maria della Scala
A former hospital opposite the cathedral, now a museum with frescoes, an archaeological section, changing exhibitions and a quiet courtyard.
Which to pick. Pair it with the cathedral for a full day. It's often calm when others queue.
Not neededTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
The Palio
The bareback horse race round Piazza del Campo on 2 July and 16 August, with parades, trials and neighborhood dinners. Seats in the stands and windows sell out far ahead.
Which to pick. Book a room as soon as you know your dates, and buy a seat only from official sellers. Standing in the center is free but packed.
Months ahead; rooms 6 to 12 monthsTours and tickets on ViatorA visit to a contrada
Siena's 17 districts each have a museum, a church and a fountain, with guides who explain the traditions. Some open to visitors.
Which to pick. Ask at the tourist office or the contrada museum. A guided visit gives context to the Palio.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorWalking tour of Siena
A guided walk through the medieval streets, the Campo and the cathedral, usually in two to three hours, with stops at fountains and churches.
Which to pick. Take it on day one, then explore alone. Small groups are better in narrow streets.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
San Gimignano
A hill town of medieval towers, about an hour by bus or car. It is crowded at midday and quiet in the evening.
Which to pick. Go early or stay late, and walk the walls. Tours often pair it with Monteriggioni.
A day or two aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorChianti wine tour
A day of tastings in the hills between Siena and Florence, with a visit to a vineyard, a cellar and a village.
Which to pick. Join a small tour with a driver. Ask about the tastings and the lunch before you pay.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorVal d'Orcia
A landscape of cypress roads, hill towns like Pienza and Montalcino, thermal springs and wide views, about an hour from Siena.
Which to pick. Go with a car or a private driver, and start early. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Siena
- OPA SI PassA pass from the cathedral's operating body that covers the cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Museo dell'Opera, the baptistery and the crypt. It saves money and queues if you plan to see the whole complex. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Siena
Do I need to book the Palio?
Yes. Rooms fill 6 to 12 months ahead, and seats in the stands sell out. Only buy from official sellers, and ignore street offers.
Is the cathedral pass worth buying?
Yes if you want the library, the museum and the viewpoint. The cathedral alone is cheaper, but the pass covers most of the best parts.
Can I climb the Torre del Mangia without booking?
Sometimes, but queues form in summer and capacity is limited. Book a slot a day or two ahead, or a week in July and August.
Is a day trip from Florence to Siena easy?
Yes, by bus or train. A tour combines Siena with San Gimignano and a wine stop, but it is a long day.
Should I go to Siena on Palio day?
Only if you are prepared for crowds and closures. The center is packed and the race lasts a few minutes. Many prefer the rehearsals.
What can I leave until I arrive?
The Campo, the Museo Civico and San Domenico can be done on the day. Book the Palio, the tower and the cathedral pass first.